Do you ever start a cookie set with no plan in mind?  You bake shapes and mix icing but have no idea what you will do?  I am a "type A" organized planner.  I rarely don't have a plan.  But, every once in a while, I like to change things up.  I like to sit at my desk and see where the icing bag takes me.  There are times that I have created some of the ugliest cookies in the world this way.  Other times, a set without a plan and direction, turns out pretty great.

For this "type a" decorator, its not something I do very often.  I typically have a pencil in hand and sketch out designs.  I normally know what will go on each and every cookie.  But, winging it, it pushes you.  It keeps you on your toes.  You have to commit to each cookie and go with it!  If you've never tried the "wing it" method...give it a try.  If it produces ugly cookies....EAT them!  But, if you design gorgeous cookies...its worth it!

Here I am, minding my own business and getting things done.  And then, out of the blue, an email from a local News Anchor.  She has been following me on Instagram and invited me to appear on the morning news show.  Say, what?  I paused.  I panicked a little.  I asked my logical husband what I should do.  He responded, "do it".  Um....that wasn't supposed to be his answer! So, without thinking too hard, I immediately answered, "YES!"

One week.  I had one week to prep and plan and compose myself.  Did I mention it was Valentine's Week?  Yes, not the most brilliant move on my part! But, I was committed.  Oh wait....my youngest woke up vomiting.  Followed by my oldest waking up vomiting.  Influenza A.  Oh goody! I CAN do this.  I can handle all of this.  Honestly though, I can't handle vomit.  Its awful.

So, I learned that the flu is time consuming.  Its all consuming actually.  Between holding hair, fetching drinks and disinfecting my entire home multiple times...it was all consuming. Okay, back to cookies.  Five days of sickness and I had to curb all cookie baking or decorating until we got an "all clear".  That means, I had 24 hours to design, bake, and decorate for my two news segments.  Sure.  Why not? I wanted to cancel and back out....I truly did.  But, wise friends who are always encouraging made me stick with it.

I tightened up my apron strings and went for it.  I survived.  Actually survived.  The two news segments were a success.  And I might have had a little fun in the process! What I really didn't consider was the aftermath.  Lots of inquiries and social media activity kind of aftermath!  All on Valentines Week. And, it may sound like I'm complaining...but I really am not! IF you are ever approached about doing anything in your community, I will mimic my husbands words ad say "DO IT!"  What a great way to get noticed locally, build new customers and have a great story to tell.  I know, I know...you just read through a nightmare of a story for a little cookie pep talk.  Put yourself out there, even if you don't want to.  You just never know who is following your cookie journey!